Travellers' checks

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More than 30 years ago, Peter Matthiessen wrote The Snow Leopard, one of the most acclaimed books in the travel genre. One World Trekking (www.oneworldtrekking.com) is following in the footsteps of Matthiessen and zoologist George Schaller and their search for the elusive snow leopard of the Himalayas. The 'physically demanding' walking trip, which will run from September 7 until October 5, will be a cultural journey into the heart of Nepal's remote Dolpo region. The cost of the trek, which includes six nights in hotels and 22 nights camping, will be either US$4,375 or US$5,070 per person, depending on how many people sign up for it.

It's a surprise

As Singapore counts down to the first Youth Olympic Games, to be held in the city, the Fairmont Singapore (left; www.fairmont.com/singapore) is offering a countdown of its own. Every day until the games open, on August 14, a guest will receive a surprise - which could be having their entire bill waived. Other prizes include a Willow Stream spa treatment, a meal at one of the Fairmont's 16 restaurants and bars and a pair of tickets to the games' opening ceremony.

Room for less

Five WorldHotels (www.worldhotels.com) affiliate properties in Shanghai are offering special rates in the hope of getting a healthy share of tourist traffic from the World Expo. Valid until October 31, packages include room rates starting at 1,500 yuan (HK$1,700) per night; two tickets to the event; and transfers to the expo's Pudong site. Participating hotels include the Eton Hotel, a luxury property in the heart of Pudong, and the trendy Yue Shanghai, located beside the picturesque Century Park. Other participants include the Grand Central Hotel, a haven of five-star French-themed luxury, Central Hotel and Seagull, all of which are on the Bund.

Grand reopening

The south of France comes alive at this time of year and, with impeccable timing, the Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat (www.grand-hotel-cap-ferrat.com), on the French Riviera, has just reopened. A retreat for the rich and famous for more than a century, the hotel is a 25-minute drive from Monaco, 50 minutes from Cannes and 30 minutes from Nice International Airport. Along with a new wing are a spa and the La Veranda restaurant, which complements the Michelin-starred Le Cap, where terrace seating is now available with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.

Deal of the week

When is a Mother's Day promotion not a Mother's Day promotion? When it's open to both sexes and lasts for weeks. A 'Mother's Day pampering and wellness package' is on offer until the end of the month at the Six Senses Destination Spa Phuket (www.SixSensesDestinationSpaPhuket .com), which sits on its own island just off the Thai holiday spot. The package, available only to residents of Greater China, is priced at HK$2,400 a day per person. Included is a wellness consultation and a daily 80-minute spa treatment. Guests also enjoy breakfast and two 'fishetarian spa cuisine' meals a day, plus a complimentary HK$1,000 spa voucher per person for guests staying at least three nights.